For over 7 years now WestGen has distributed the SCR Heatime system to western Canadian producers. Its the most popular standalone activity monitoring system due to its remarkable accuracy at detecting heats; however at times the original system, which relied on infrared technology, left something to be desired, as the ID stations and tag battery life experienced earlier than expected failure in some environments.

To overcome these challenges, SCR released the second generation of Heatime technology which uses a long distance (LD) antenna to read the Heatime tags in a controlled manner. The benefits of the LD technology are numerous and include the ability to cover a large area (500m x 200m) with only one ID station, real time data (tags are read every 20 minutes, not just at milking time), and tags programmed to read once every 20 minutes, thereby knowing the energy output required for their battery and better tag life estimates. The LD system CPU and ID station are covered by a two year warranty, while activity monitoring tags have a three year 100% warranty, with the option to purchase an additional two year extended warranty.

The LD Heatime systems work with the second generation Heatime CPU (HR box), which includes a cow card for each animal that can store calving date, breeding dates, group #, pregnancy status and more. The CPU retains tag activity data for one year and includes automatic daily backups. As an alternative to the CPU, producers looking for a more robust herd management software can elect to use the Heatime PRO system which is a PC based herd management system that handles significantly more data and supports up to 6000 tags. Another exciting feature recently added is the HealthyCow24 mobile app, which offers you access to your data from anywhere via your mobile device.

Heatime’s popularity in Western Canada began as a standalone system ideal for heifer barns. This is still a strength of the system, as with many heifers managed away from the main dairy herd, heat detection often suffers due to insufficient monitoring. Delayed heifer breeding due to missed heats has been proven time and again to be a significant cost to a dairy, as heifers that calve at an older age have substantially higher raising costs that need to be recovered. As shown in the graph below, maximum profit/cow to 6 years of age is achieved by originally calving heifers at 22-23 months old, when their rearing costs are minimized and productive life begins early thereby maximizing milk revenue.

Employing a Heatime system to bring your average age at first calving down to industry’s current recommended best practice of 23-24 months, is an investment that is quickly recuperated. Consider a one month reduction in age at first calving would save over $75/heifer in additional rearing costs alone, never mind accounting for her earlier contribution to the milk cheque.

This fall we’re encouraging producers to take a look at what the Heatime activity monitoring system can bring to your herd management program, and are pleased to offer 25% off the long distance activity collars and tags until December 15.

Contact your WestGen Representative today to learn more and to receive a quote.